WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., is demanding answers from New York City’s mayor following the reported rescission of executive orders adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism and barring boycotts of Israel.

In a letter made public Thursday, Cassidy asked the mayor to respond by Feb. 19 to a series of questions regarding how the policy changes would affect protections for Jewish students in city schools.

.@NYCMayor, I’m asking that you answer the following questions by February 19th:

(1) How, if at all, does revoking the executive order adopting the IHRA working definition of antisemitism and the executive order barring boycotts of Israel protect Jewish students?

(2) Will your… https://t.co/z5VwczNV5x

— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) February 6, 2026

Cassidy asked how revoking the IHRA definition and lifting restrictions related to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement would protect Jewish students. He also requested clarification on whether the administration plans to adopt a new definition of antisemitism and what specific measures will be taken to combat antisemitism in schools and on campuses.

The Louisiana Republican further inquired whether city officials consulted with the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Justice or other federal agencies about potential funding implications tied to the policy shift.

Cassidy also asked whether guidance has been issued to New York City Public Schools on how antisemitism complaints will be identified, investigated and addressed following the rescission of the IHRA definition.

Additionally, the senator asked whether the mayor considers the BDS movement against Israel to be antisemitic and how changes to the executive orders would make Jewish students safer.

“Whatever somebody’s ideological background, if they’re in a position of responsibility, they must protect their citizens,” Cassidy said in a prior statement. “Clearly, antisemitism has been on the rise. We must respond to real dangers directed at Jewish students.”

The mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.